Spike TV officials traditionally like to feature former cast members from “The Ultimate Fighter” and UFC Fight Night regulars in the “UFC Prelims” specials. Lauzon appeared on “TUF 5″ and Rivera on “TUF 4.”

Lauzon (18-5 MMA, 5-2 UFC) looks to bounce back from a January loss to Sam Stout at UFC 108. Lauzon was returning to the cage after a severe knee injury kept him sidelined for nearly a year. Etim (14-3 MMA, 5-3 UFC) had pieced together a four-fight win streak with victories over Shannon Gugerty, Justin Buchholz, Brian Cobb and Stout before he ran into a buzz saw and dropped a submission loss to Rafael dos Anjos at UFC 112 in April.

Rivera (18-7 MMA, 8-5 UFC), who began his UFC career with an undistinguished 5-5 record, has seen a career resurgence with recent consecutive wins over Nissen Osterneck, Rob Kimmons and Nate Quarry. Sakara (15-7 MMA, 6-4 UFC) also seeks his fourth straight win following knockouts of Joe Vedepo and James Irvin and a split-decision victory over Thales Leites.

As the UFC 189 tour made its last stop in Dublin, featherweight champ Jose Aldo was met with a torrent of abuse from the Irish fans. It might have been unpleasant, but it might also have been just what he needed.